Golden State Warriors face several potential pitfalls on the way to ‘sure thing’ repeat

The Warriors have avenged last year’s collapse, and are on top of the world again.

Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green may or may not be the best team ever, but they are in the discussion. Two former MVPs, four current all-stars, all in their prime, and the future looks a lot like the present.

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In fact, Las Vegas lists Golden State as a 1-2 bet to repeat the whole thing next year.

They will assuredly go into next season as the biggest favorite in NBA history.

Any sane bettor forced to place a wager would jump to take the Warriors.

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Let’s put aside the stupidity of even listing a favorite for next season a mere hours after Game 5. We haven’t had the draft or free agency yet, so how do we know what teams will look like? What if the Cavaliers sign Gordon Hayward? How about the Celtics and their No. 1 pick and room to sign at least one max contract player?

Again, we’ll put that stuff off to the side. There are other reasons why the Warriors mightnot repeat that don’t involve other teams getting better.

Injuries

This is the most obvious one. Remember a couple of years ago when Durant broke his foot during a training camp workout? What if that happens again? Curry weighs about 100 pounds soaking wet. He’s had ankle problems. All it takes is one wrong step and the champs don’t look so unbeatable.

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Curry is a free agent for the first time, although nobody expects him to leave the bay. But most folks weren’t planning on Durant leaving Oklahoma City, were they? By the way, KD can opt out of his deal as well. You’d have to say there’s no way he’d want to face the backlash of two defections in two years, but if last summer proved anything, it’s not done until the deal is signed.

General Manager Bob Myers also faces two key, if subtle, decisions. Former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala and Shawn Livingston are both free agents.

Iguodala was once again critical against Cleveland. He seems to be one of the few players to match up with LeBron James and not blink.

Livingston continues to show that he’s more than an inspirational comeback story, providing huge boosts off the bench. Because of his gruesome knee injury, the former Clippers top pick hasn’t truly cashed in yet. What if another team throws huge money at him?

Wither Splash Brother No. 2?

Thompson is a star — a major star. This guy scored 60 points in three quarters this season. He put up 37 points in one quarter two years ago. There were times, especially during the playoffs, when he looked like he was just taking up space. He’s one of the best shooters in NBA history, and a tremendous defender, but on this team, he’ll always be No. 3 (at best). How long will he be OK with that?

Be Kerr-ful

Steve Kerr is one of the most forward-thinking, self-depricating coaches around. He’s been in Golden State three years and won two titles. The other year, his team won 73 games. There’s no question he sets the tone in the organization. But he missed the first half of last season and 10 playoff games this time around. Luke Walton filled in last year, Mike Brown this year, but how long can Kerr continue to coach? His complications from back surgery are no joke, and Kerr talks a lot about life outside of basketball. Will he step away to smell the roses?

Three years, three finals

Yes, the Warriors needed only 17 games to win this championship. But over the last three years they’ve played 308 games. We know the organization is a proponent of resting players, but that is still a lot of basketball. The regular seasons have been easier than most, but remember how stressful it was going for 73 wins. Long stretches like this shorten careers — just ask Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and company.

Again, if you have to pick a favorite right now, obviously, it’s the team that just won the title. But before you go betting your life savings on a Warriors repeat, just think about what might happen.